👋 OnePlus ditches the US and Canada markets 📉

OnePlus is officially concluding all new product launches across the United States and Canada after reviewing its global strategy. The company confirmed this decision affecting both the US and Canada, impacting future smartphone and accessory releases. Shipments saw a massive drop from about one million units in 2019 to under 130,000 in 2025. This move is rooted in cooled smartphone demand and increased component costs in the market. Existing customers are promised continued software updates and support for their current devices.

🩺 Hypertension hits almost half of HAART patients

Hypertension was found to be highly common among adults undergoing HAART therapy. This was observed in a cross-sectional study across three referral hospitals in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. Data was analyzed from 422 adults between April and June 2025. Obesity, dyslipidaemia, and long-term HIV status were identified as major risk factors. Researchers recommend integrating cardiovascular risk assessment into routine HIV care moving forward.

🧐 SIT forms to check ghee procurement issues

The Kerala government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into alleged irregularities in ghee purchasing for the Sabarimala temple. This five-member team is being supervised by Superintendent of Police M.J. Sojan. The investigation officially started on August 05, 2026, as directed by the Kerala High Court. Deputy Superintendent of Police C.H. Hari is leading the probe alongside four other inspectors. The SIT will thoroughly examine the procurement process to ensure transparency in the matter. 🧐

☀️ New video shows sun's surface in insane detail

Scientists have captured a new, high-resolution video revealing detailed plasma whirlpools on the sun's surface. This footage was taken at 416 nanometers, offering unprecedented clarity of the solar activity. The resolution is comparable to spotting a blueberry from 70 miles away. This observation supports existing theories about the processes occurring on the sun's surface. Researchers continue to analyze this data to better understand solar physics.

🏛️ SA wants new rules for ex-leaders' trips

South Africa's foreign minister is pushing for new rules regarding foreign travel by former heads of state. This follows Jacob Zuma's controversial visit to India last month, where he met a businessman linked to a major corruption scandal. The recommendation to parliament demands full trip details for risk assessment and support level determination. Zuma was expelled from the ANC and now leads the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK). This move addresses past incidents, like his disputed trip to Morocco last year.

🚶 MCC clears footpath vendors on Sayyaji Rao Road

The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) resumed its footpath clearance drive on Wednesday, targeting Sayyaji Rao Road. MCC personnel from Abhaya conducted the drive on both sides of the road, starting from K.R. Circle. Most vendors complied by removing their goods like garments and fruits, despite some claiming minimal obstruction. The clearance aims to ensure free pedestrian movement, following Supreme Court guidelines. Some vendors noted that shopkeepers were also using the footpath for displaying merchandise.

😔 Meta apologizes over content boosting issue

Meta has issued an apology admitting that it paid money to boost specific types of content. This issue primarily involved how certain content was algorithmically promoted across the platform. The admission was made following ongoing scrutiny of Meta's content promotion practices. This practice has raised serious concerns about the fairness of content visibility for users. Meta is expected to implement changes to address these algorithmic biases soon.

🏛️ Old Tirur court needs major upgrade

The Tirur Bar Association is demanding a modern court complex to replace the current century-old building. This request comes from the association located in Tirur, Kerala. Over 500 lawyers practice there, and the existing complex dates back to 1910. The current facility lacks space for offices, modern digital systems, and adequate amenities for all visitors. The association urges central and state governments to provide support for this new centenary project.

🌧️ Orange alert hits 7 Kerala districts amid floods

An orange alert has been issued by IMD across seven districts in Kerala due to heavy rainfall and ongoing flooding. These affected areas include Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur, and Kasaragod. Schools are remaining shut on August 6 in various flood-affected zones and relief camp locations. District administrations have declared holidays citing safety concerns amidst the continued waterlogging situation. Authorities are advising residents to stay cautious as the weather alerts remain active in parts of the state.

💰 Trump admin refunds $100B in cancelled tariffs

The Trump administration announced it is refunding roughly $100 billion from tariffs collected before the Supreme Court struck them down. This action was reported on Tuesday in a filing with the U.S. Court of International Trade. These refunds represent about 60% of the $166 billion collected from sweeping tariffs imposed in 2025. The tariffs were scrapped in late February after the high court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act did not authorize them. The administration is now managing the financial implications of this high-profile legal reversal. 💸

🌊 Kerala CM promises urgent action for Muthalappozhi harbour

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has promised an urgent decision regarding the safety concerns at Muthalappozhi harbour. He made this assurance while briefing the media on cabinet decisions in Kerala. The harbour has seen over 80 fishers die since 2008, according to the Latin Archdiocese delegation. Search operations for two missing fishermen, who vanished after a boat capsized on July 31, are ongoing. The government plans both short-term fixes and long-term measures to address the design flaws. 🌊